How to choose the right bike so as not to regret the purchase?

Buying a bike is a responsible business. If you approach this task carefully, then two-wheeled transport will delight you for a long time, providing pleasant and healthy minutes of leisure time. Before making your choice, you should clearly understand which bike you need, for what purposes, and what characteristics it should have.

Bicycles are different. This transport is divided into classes according to destination, number of wheels, characteristics. For some people, an easy and hardy “iron horse” is required, which will help to quickly get to work or study, while others need a special type of transport that will allow you to get a lot of impressions and adrenaline from dizzying bike tricks.

This vehicle is ideally adapted for mountainous terrain, equipped with a reinforced structure. Such bikes can be found under the names MTB, ATB, mountain bike. They are ideal for downhill, freeride, darts and cross-country activities. The bike easily crosses rough terrain and is suitable for poor road conditions.

These models are distinguished by a rather powerful frame, wheels with solid tires and pronounced tread, a large number of gears, rim and disc brakes. There are many options for additional equipment of transport - it depends on the specific purpose. It’s one thing to ride out of town on your day off and a completely different approach will require picking a bike for competitions. Today, riders use mountain models for everyday city driving.

These bikes have wide and thick tires. The frame looks like a mountain, but differs in even greater strength. This is a real SUV among bicycles. Snow porridge on the road, sand, patches of dirt easily obey him. With such transport you can go on a hiking trip with pleasure. Both in the forest and in the field, the transport will be perfect.

The classification of sports models is extensive. This includes road bikes or road bikes. They are ideal for highway cycling. They are distinguished by a very light weight, design with thin wheels, a special shape of the steering wheel and seat. A person sits on this not vertically, but aerodynamically, with an inclination forward, which allows developing tremendous speeds. They require a smooth roadway.

Sports also include cyclocross. These bicycles are similar in appearance to road bikes, but have their own distinctive features - they are designed to ride on rough roads, or even cross-country at high speed. They are distinguished by a strong frame, excellent protectors, reliable disc brakes. Cyclocrosses are often used not only by athletes, but also by amateurs for ordinary driving in the city and beyond.

Another kind of sports bike is a trial bike. It is also used for freestyle. Such models are designated BMX and trial. You cannot confuse these models with others: they have elongated frames located low, there is no saddle, a wide steering wheel. This makes it possible to ride almost standing, perform amazing stunts.

Citybikes or road bikes are not inferior to sports bikes in terms of breadth. And the opinion that their main function is city and pleasure riding is not entirely true. They are simple in appearance, in fact, these popular bicycles are very different from each other.

Road bikes are heavier than sports ones, but also more stable, comfortable, you can always attach a trunk to them, a shopping basket, wings, there is a chain protection so that trousers and ladies' dresses do not fall into the chain during the trip.

City bicycles have wide saddles, cannot boast of a large number of speeds, but this is not required in conditions of urban movement. The design implies a vertical landing for the rider.

A hybrid is a true universal option, which advantageously combines the advantages of urban, highway and mountain options. Simply put, it looks more like a mountain bike, but is ideally adapted for moving on the asphalt of large and small cities.

Hybrid models are characterized by lightweight and tall frames. On them, you can optionally install wings, trunk, other accessories. Such bicycles are very popular because they correspond to several tasks at once, they are multivariate.

Touring or tourist models are designed for a quiet tourist ride on relatively flat roads. They are similar to highways, but they can be equipped with a luggage carrier designed for heavy luggage, have a rigid fork and very reliable wheels. The transmission often provides for the possibility of off-road travel. Perfectly protected from dirt and moisture.

They are easy to store in conditions of insufficient space, transported in the trunk, or even carried in the hands when the rider has reached its destination. There are city, tourist folding bicycles, electric. They are slightly inferior in speed, handling, but the folding frame is worth it. For such bikes, compactness comes first.

Children's transport is a very diverse group. It includes two-wheeled, three-wheeled and four-wheeled options. Women's bicycles have design differences that take into account the anatomical features: the frame geometry is different, the distance from the seat to the steering wheel is smaller, the seat is wider.

There are special bicycles on which it is convenient and simple to carry goods. They are usually three-wheeled and feature a large basket on the back. Such a bike will be a real help in the country, in the countryside. There are models with trailers - wheelchairs for cargo.

In fact, it is also almost trucks, but only instead of the trailer in the back is a structure on which the second cyclist fits. The first drives and chooses the direction, the second pedals and breathes fresh air for pleasure.

These bikes have an electric motor. You can ride them in the usual way, carefully pedaling, and using the "services" of the motor wheel, which is rotated by an electric motor.

A very interesting bike, which is also popularly called a recumbent. The back of the cyclist is on a special sunbed. Such models accelerate very well, they are maneuverable, and a special landing allows you to travel long distances and not get tired.

A bike with one regular wheel. Right above it is a cyclist. Such monocycles are found in the line of mountain, stunt and even road vehicles.

These include bike models for transporting people. Behind the main rider are places for several people. There are triple and quadruple models. Usually in front and behind are adults, and in the middle - children.

As you can see, there are many types of bicycles, and therefore, the style of riding is the most important criterion for choosing the right model, which will allow you to choose the right vehicle for a summer residence, sports, drive to work or walks, for a child or a pensioner.

As the name implies, the purpose of such a vehicle is to quickly move around the city to work, study, take walks, travel to shops and markets. Typically, such models are affordable, manufactured using low-cost materials. You should not be embarrassed by a steel frame, gears are absent or present in an amount of not more than five.

The models are quite heavy - from 15 kilograms or more. When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the frame. If a woman will ride, it is better to choose an open design, a frame in the shape of a trapezoid is more suitable for men.

City bikes most often have an all-welded construction, but folding models are also found - they are more convenient to store even in the absence of a special place for it. Adult city bicycles have a wheel diameter of 20 to 28 inches. Tire widths vary from 1.5 to 2.1 inches.

No type of bike requires such a clear goal-setting as mountain bikes. They have a very specific purpose, and therefore you need to decide what you need the "iron horse" for. If you need to drive on rough country roads, it is better to choose a model with a lightweight aluminum frame, good shock absorbers. Typically, mountain bike brakes are excellent, but double brakes, a duplicate system, are preferable.

If the goal is to ride at high speed, then it will be easy to choose, preference should be given to models with a number of speeds from 21 to 27.

A road bike is easy to compare with a racing car: it is painful to ride on bad roads, but on a flat track is a pleasure. This is the lightest and fastest model, it should weigh within 5 kilograms. The absence of depreciation facilitates the design, but it is this fact that makes the transport very inconvenient for driving on dirt roads. The highway is perfect for lovers of high speeds and for those who ride on tracks with a special coating, for fans of road cycling, trial.

The steering wheel of the roadway resembles the shape of a horn and this is optimal for damping headwind resistance, the wheels are narrow, and there are no suspensions. It is better to give preference to models with carbon fiber or aluminum frames. A convenient addition to the purchase will be a convenient backpack, since the trunk on such vehicles is not installed.

This type of bike is in greatest demand because of its versatility and wear resistance. This is a combination of mountain and road bikes and everything is provided for multipurpose use. Tires have a double tread: the outer side is rough, the inner one is flat, this makes it possible to wheel on a hybrid on different types of road surface.

The wheels are big, but the move is pretty easy. They are stable, safe and reliable. When choosing such a vehicle, it should be borne in mind that the flat and elongated steering wheel shape is optimal - It will ensure the correct position of the body, in which the rider will be less tired. The arrangement of gears and brakes is also optimal for a relaxed ride, and not for racing with overcoming.

The questions that arise when choosing an “iron horse” are varied and numerous. They are not asked only by athletes who choose a specific model adapted for the type of cycling that a person is engaged in. All others are not immune from doubt. So, the main tips for choosing:

• Define the goals for which you need a bike;
• specify where you will ride on it more often;
• Have an accurate idea of ​​your own height and weight;
• answer your question: what time of the year trips will be made;
• set the price range that you can afford.

If we have already considered the main target destinations of cycling, it remains to find out the criteria for compliance with other issues. If you plan to ride in the winter, it is better to choose models equipped with hydraulic shock absorbers and disc brakes.

There is a popular belief that the more speeds a bike has, the better, cooler and more fun. This is a myth, and before talking about the right number of speeds, you should clearly understand who needs it at all - a large number of them?

When choosing a bike, you can easily notice that the number of speeds varies from 1 to 33. Moreover, the combinations can be different - 1x7, 2x9, 1x11 and so on. You should know that the number of stars in front is indicated by the first number, the second answers the question of how many stars are behind. The bike has exactly as many speeds as it turns out when multiplying the first number by the second.

In fact, speed switching is a chain transfer from one star to another, which allows you to change the gear ratio and effort when pedaling. Switching gears is necessary to increase comfort, because this simple action helps to spend less energy when driving on a bad road, in unpleasant weather conditions.

It was previously believed that a larger number of possible speeds gives a real opportunity to choose a larger number of movement options, but today it is believed that a huge number of them are simply not required; moreover, the more speeds, the heavier the bike will be due to the set stars.

Hence the pricing. Bikes with 7-9 speeds are usually much more affordable than 10-speed ones, and 11-12 speeds are already sometimes found in professional models. Remember - the more speeds, the more stars, the thinner the chain. This reduces longevity.

The material of the frame is important when choosing a bike. The most common steel and aluminum frames, less often - titanium and carbon. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. The frame of a good bike, the purchase of which you will not regret for a single day, must be strong and reliable.

Steel frames are ordinary, carbon, chromium-molybdenum. Ordinary steel is the cheapest option, it is used in the manufacture of cheap bicycles. These are not the most durable and not the most durable frames. They are subject to corrosion, can break. Carbon steel demonstrates corrosion protection, is flexible enough to cushion, and is affordable.

Chromium Molybdenum Frame - the most reliable and durable among all types of steel, but it also costs more. The big advantages of any steel frame lie in the simplicity and accessibility of its repair.

Aluminum frames give the bike less weight, it becomes much easier to drive up the hill or quickly gain speed. But aluminum, even as part of a high-quality alloy, can accumulate “fatigue”, and this increases the likelihood of instant breakdown. This is especially true for fans of extreme driving. Aluminum frames are not susceptible to rust, but they dampen vibration worse, show increased sensitivity to shock, cracks, dents. At the same time, such frames are almost impossible to repair.

Titanium frames are considered one of the best. The material incorporates all the advantages of steel and aluminum alloys. But a titanium frame is an expensive pleasure. Such frames are most appreciated by lovers of cycling, because the bikes accelerate well, keep speed and do not break, and are also indifferent to moisture, dirt and chemicals on the road.

Carbon frames are highly reliable and durable., and therefore it is they who are often found on professional sports models. Bicycles turn out light, almost like titanium, durable, not subject to rust. The disadvantages include the high cost and the inability to repair.

There are two options - the shock absorber is either there or it is not. A bike without a shock absorber will catch all the bumps, stones and give a lot of unpleasant minutes, but on a level road it will show excellent speed, and the option with a shock absorber is more suitable for riding on rough terrain.

For a quiet city ride, you can do without a shock absorber, but in conditions of mountains or fields, forests it is difficult to imagine a ride without it. Modern mountain bikes and their varieties are equipped with different shock absorbers. There are options when the device is placed only on the front wheel, there are two-suspensions - with shock absorption in the front and rear.

Spring shock absorbers speak for themselves - the effect of suppressing shocks from bumps is achieved thanks to a conventional spring. They are found on the most inexpensive models and quite rarely. Often used spring-elastomeric shock absorbers. They can be found on entry-level amateur models. Spring oil shock absorber - A great choice for those who plan to ride in the winter, because the oil is better at maintaining quality in cold conditions. Air oil - The lightest cushioning systems. In them, the spring is absent as a species, there is only oil and air.

Good brakes are the key to your safety. Most often, modern bikes are equipped with rim braking systems - braking is achieved by acting on the wheel rim. Among these brakes, Campagnolo and Shimano are considered better.

Disc brakes are considered faster and more accurate, braking is achieved by compressing a special disc with brake pads. They are hydraulic and mechanical. They can only be installed in front or in front and rear.

The size of the rim and its height are set by the manufacturer. Width indicates the presence of several walls. The height indicates the stability of the rim to possible deformation on the bumps and pits. Respectively, wider and higher rims are used for freeride than for measured urban skiing.

If disc brakes are installed on the bike, the issue of rim selection is not at all important. But if the brake is rim, it is important that it is made qualitatively, for example, of aluminum with a flat wall.

If you have to ride on a flat road or track, then prefer slick tires - simple, without treads. But they can not cope with braking on wet roads. For trips on the dirt road, off-road and cross-country, the “half-slick” is more suitable - a tire with protectors on the sides.

For riding on mud and gravel, as well as mountain skiing, choose mud tires. You can choose the universal option - rubber reinforced with carbon fiber. Tubeless tires are suitable for special rims with high heights. And for sports riding are ideal bike tubes - tires of increased strength.

Wheel diameters range from 20 to 36 inches. The smallest are options for children's bicycles. 24 inches - teenage bicycles and models for freeriders. 26 inches is a popular and common type of wheel for city bikes. 27 inches is the road size. 28 inches - hybrid and off-road. 29 inches are mountain bikes, but not all.

When choosing a bike, it is important to consider the height and age of the rider.

If the child’s height is up to 85 centimeters, children’s models with wheels up to 12 inches are more suitable for him, but as soon as his height exceeds a meter, you can pick up bicycles with wheels from 12 to 16 inches. The weight limit for children's bikes is 20 kilograms.

Teenage models are smaller versions of adults, the size starts from 135 centimeters. From about 15 years old, a child can switch to an adult model.

With full-time selection, you just need to try on the frame on yourself. To do this, one leg needs to be thrown over the frame, resting on the saddle with his back. If there are about a dozen centimeters of free space from the frame to the crotch, the bike is right for you. Consider your own weight and the weight of the load, leave a margin in case of a sudden increase in the load on the frame when jumping from the curb, for example.

Pay attention to the complete set - it is important that the set contains hexagons to help you assemble the bike. Some models are additionally equipped with wings, bell. But bags and on-board computers, if desired, will have to be set separately.

Do not miss the opportunity not only to try on vehicles for growth, but also ride on it at least a few meters. This will make you feel its features and make the final choice.

Choosing a quality and reliable bike will be easy if you know the names of the best brands:

• GT
• Merida;
• Stels
• Specialized
• Cube
• Giant
• Author;
• Forward
• Schwinn;
• Trek.

There can be two mistakes when choosing a bicycle - an attempt to buy the model you like as a gift as a surprise without the personal participation of the person to whom the gift is intended, and an attempt to buy the bike remotely in appearance. In the first case, you can miscalculate with a size, in the second - get a "pig in a poke."

In order for your bike to be under warranty service, make a purchase in the manufacturer’s online official store, make sure that the warranty card is correctly filled out.

Read the instructions carefully before using. remember, that the bike needs proper care provided by the manufacturers.

No bike can be considered a completely safe device, so take care of protection - carbon fiber helmet or plastic knee pads and elbow pads help to avoid serious injuries.

On how to choose the right bike, see below.